Brow Lift vs Double Eyelid Surgery for Sagging Eyelids
Introduction
Sagging eyelids can make the eyes look tired, older, or even block vision. In Korea, two procedures are commonly considered for this concern:
- Brow lift
- Double eyelid surgery
Although both can improve the appearance of droopy eyes, they treat different root causes. Choosing the wrong procedure may lead to limited improvement or early recurrence, so understanding the difference is critical.
What Causes Sagging Eyelids?
Sagging eyelids are not always an eyelid problem. Common causes include:
- Brow descent (brow ptosis) — the eyebrow drops and pushes eyelid skin downward
- Excess upper eyelid skin — loose skin folds over the lash line
- Weak eyelid muscle (ptosis) — eyelid opening muscle is weak
- Combination aging — brow + eyelid skin + muscle weakness
The cause determines whether a brow lift or double eyelid surgery is more effective.
What a Brow Lift Does
How It Works
A brow lift raises the eyebrows and forehead tissue, reducing pressure on the upper eyelids. It indirectly opens the eyes by repositioning the brow to a more youthful height.
Best For
✔ Heavy, drooping brows
✔ Sagging mainly in the outer (lateral) eyelid
✔ Forehead wrinkles with tired-looking eyes
✔ Patients whose eyelids droop more when brows are relaxed
Key Benefits
- Improves eye openness without cutting eyelid skin
- Creates a more alert, refreshed expression
- Reduces forehead and brow heaviness
- Long-lasting structural correction
Limitations
- Does not remove excess eyelid skin directly
- Less effective if sagging is caused by eyelid fat or skin alone
What Double Eyelid Surgery Does
How It Works
Double eyelid surgery removes excess upper eyelid skin and fat and creates or enhances an eyelid crease. In some cases, it also includes ptosis correction to strengthen the eyelid-opening muscle.
Best For
✔ Hooded eyelids
✔ Excess upper eyelid skin
✔ Hidden or low eyelid crease
✔ Sagging caused mainly by eyelid tissue
Key Benefits
- Direct correction of eyelid sagging
- Improves eye shape and definition
- Can improve field of vision
- Precise and customizable
Limitations
- Does not lift a low eyebrow
- Sagging may return if brow descent is the main issue
Brow Lift vs Double Eyelid Surgery — Core Differences
Area Treated
- Brow lift: Forehead and eyebrow position
- Double eyelid surgery: Upper eyelid skin, fat, and crease
Type of Sagging Corrected
- Brow lift: Brow-driven eyelid drooping
- Double eyelid surgery: Eyelid-driven drooping
Visual Change
- Brow lift: More open, rested eye expression
- Double eyelid surgery: Clearer eyelid crease and eye definition
Longevity
- Brow lift: Long-lasting structural lift
- Double eyelid surgery: Long-lasting, but dependent on brow position
Recovery & Downtime (General)
Brow Lift
- Swelling/bruising: 1–2 weeks
- Forehead tightness initially
- Gradual, natural improvement
Double Eyelid Surgery
- Swelling: 1–2 weeks
- Stitch removal: 5–7 days (if incisional)
- Faster visible refinement
Both procedures require time for final results, usually several months.
Which Is Better for Sagging Eyelids?
Choose a Brow Lift if:
✔ Your brows sit low or feel heavy
✔ Sagging is worse on the outer eyelids
✔ Lifting your brow manually improves your eyelid appearance
✔ You want to address forehead aging at the same time
Choose Double Eyelid Surgery if:
✔ You have excess eyelid skin or hooding
✔ Your brow position is normal
✔ You want a defined eyelid crease
✔ Sagging is centered on the eyelid itself
When Both Are Needed
In many Korean clinics, surgeons recommend a combined approach when sagging is caused by both brow descent and eyelid skin excess.
Combined Brow Lift + Double Eyelid Surgery
✔ Most complete correction
✔ Prevents over-removal of eyelid skin
✔ More natural and longer-lasting results
This is especially common for patients in their 40s–60s.
Why Korean Surgeons Emphasize Proper Diagnosis
In Korea, experienced surgeons focus heavily on brow–eyelid balance. Performing eyelid surgery alone on a patient who actually needs a brow lift can result in:
- Over-tight eyelids
- Unnatural crease height
- Early recurrence of sagging
Correct diagnosis ensures safer surgery and better aesthetics.
Final Expert Summary
Sagging eyelids are not one-size-fits-all.
- Brow lift treats sagging caused by a low or heavy brow
- Double eyelid surgery treats sagging caused by excess eyelid skin or weak eyelid muscles
- Combination surgery offers the most comprehensive correction when both issues exist
The best choice depends on where the sagging starts, not just how it looks.
